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nshank · Jan 12, 2004, 01:42 AM

Hi all,
I have a few questions...

I have an original imac, @ 333MHz, w/o any software. I have a system restore CD w/ sytem 9.2. I try to install the system, and I get a msg saying I need to update the firmware. OK, no problem, right? Wrong...

I have found the correct firmware from apple, and I have been able to move it to the machine, but when I try to run the firmware installer, it starts, just after the re-boot notice, it says it can't update the firmware because the system folder is read only.

I guess what it comes down to is this, how do I make the system bootable so that I can update the firmware?

Thanks,
Nick

slider · Jan 12, 2004, 08:58 AM

You say there is no software on the iMac. Are you saying that there is know OS? If you are booting off the CD, yes, the system folder is read only. You are going to need an OS on the machine to install the firmware, obviously you'll need one which will run on the iMac with out the firmware. Do you have it? ie 8.5.1 or slightly later? If not I might be able to find one and send it to you.

nshank · Jan 12, 2004, 04:18 PM

Originally posted by slider:
You say there is no software on the iMac. Are you saying that there is know OS? If you are booting off the CD, yes, the system folder is read only. You are going to need an OS on the machine to install the firmware, obviously you'll need one which will run on the iMac with out the firmware. Do you have it? ie 8.5.1 or slightly later? If not I might be able to find one and send it to you.

No system folder. Nothing. I was wondering, however, is it possible to take the system folder from something like DiscFirstAid, or another bootable system util and boot the imac w/ that? Yall can email me, if ya want. DuaneBary_2000(AT)yahoo(DOT)com

slider · Jan 12, 2004, 11:02 PM

Sorry, I am very confused with what you have. First, if you do not have an OS running one the iMac already, you won't be able to install the firmware. I have know idea how you got the firmware onto the HD in the first place. The only way the you can get all these message without an OS installed is by starting from the CD, in-which case, yes, the system folder is read-only. That was what I was assuming you were doing when I read your post earlier today. All you need to do is install from a Mac OS CD which is older then the firmware update like the one which was originally installed on that Make and Model. Then run the firmware updater and then upgrade to Mac OS 9.2.1 and then to 9.2.2 using the Software update. I can send you a copy of these CD's, I can drop them in the mail for you. All you need to do in return is return the favor to someone else someday. I am afraid that is about all the help I can offer. My email link works if you want the CDs. Good Luck

nshank · Jan 12, 2004, 11:46 PM

Thanks, but I ended up finding a system 8 CD, putting that on it, and updating it that way. Not that it mattered, the imac is dead anyway, but thats a different story.
I do appreciate the help

Nick

ValVashon · Jan 14, 2004, 11:13 PM

How or why is it dead? It seems as if it was working to some extent. Are you interested in selling it for parts?

Val